Lanzhou,
capital of Gansu
Province, is located
between the Gaolan and
the White Pagoda (Baita)
mountains. It has been a
hub of communications
between China’s Central
Plain and northwestern
China and an important
point on the Silk Road
that linked China’s
ancient capital Xi’an
with Central Asia and
the Roman Empire.
Branches of the Yellow
River divide the city
into several parts,
giving Lanzhou a unique
layout. Lanzhou is the
political, economic, and
cultural center of Gansu
Province. Its chief
industries include oil
refining, chemicals,
machinery, and wool
textiles. Lanzhou is
conneted with Beijing,
Shanghai, Xi’an,
Yinchuan, Urumqi,
Xining, and Jiuquan by
air and has convenient
railway communications
as well.